Pin sensing system

ABSTRACT

A pin sensing system, based on the definition of pin sensing zones by intersecting reflecting and transmitting optical paths, transmits &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;pins standing&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; information to distinct optical projection and data printing systems. The intersecting, reflecting and transmitting optical paths originate in front of the head pin position and converge in the direction of the pit end of the lane.

Waited States Patent [1 1 Bolger, Jr. et a1.

1 1 PIN SENSING SYSTEM [75] Inventors: John G. Bolger, Jr., Orinda; Carl A.

Walker, Moraga, both of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Digilux Corporation, Oakland, Calif.

[22] Filed: Feb. 7, 1972 [211 App]. No: 224,245

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 44,733, June 9, 1970, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl 273/54 E, 250/222 R [51] Int. Cl A63d 5/04 [58] Field of Search 273/54 E; 250/222 R, 234

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,980,424 4/1961 Sanders et a1. 273/54 E X [111 amaz Mar. 5, 1974 3,309,086 3/1967 Victs et al.... 273/54 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Attorney, Agent, or Firm-C0lton & Stone, Inc.

[57] ABSTRACT A pin Sensing system, based on the definition of pin sensing zones by intersecting reflecting and transmitting optical paths, transmits pins standing information to distinct optical projection and data printing Systems. The intersecting, reflecting and transmitting optical paths originate in front of the head pin position and converge in the direction of the pit end of the lane.

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1. Pin sensing means for detecting the presence of vertically standing bowling pins at the pin spot end of a bowling lane by the sensing of optical transmissions reflected from discrete areas of standing pin necks or heads contained within nonintersecting zones surrounding each pin spot, comprising; optical transmitting and sensing means for defining optical path means originating in front of the head pin position and converging in the direction of the pit end of the lane, means for positioning one of said transmitting and sensing means below the level of a standing pin head, means supporting the other of said transmitting and sensing means above the level of a standing pin head, and control means for activating said transmitting means whereby optical transmissions reflected from said discrete areas of standing pins will be sensed by said sensing means.
 2. The pin sensing means of claim 1 wherein said means for positioning one of said transmitting and sensing means consists of power operated support means mounting said transmitting means for controlled movement between a momentary transmitting position below the level of a standing pin head and an inactive housed position above the level of a standing pin head, control means for activating said power operated support means to position the transmitting means in the transmitTing position in response to each ball roll, and said control means for activating said transmitting means being responsive to movement of the transmitting means to the transmitting position.
 3. The pin sensing means of claim 1 wherein said sensing means includes individual photosensitive means for each pin spot, and said transmitting means includes a single optical transmitting element for all of said pin spots.
 4. The pin sensing means of claim 3 including an electronic switch individually in circuit with each individual photosensitive element and gatable by the same upon receipt of a reflected transmission from the transmitting means, a scoresheet, and data printout means in circuit with the electronic switch for printing a map of standing pins on said scoresheet in response to each ball roll. 